My father was a Vietnam War veteran. Originally from Elizabethton, TN, he and my mom moved to Aiken, SC where he began working as an iron worker. My dad was first diagnosed with ALS in 1996 but his symptoms went back to 1992. He eventually lost his battle Feb. 2003. It was the most difficult thing I will ever have to do, watching my dad, my hero, slowly suffering in front of me. He fought with everything he had and never gave up hope. Please don't ever give up hope!!